Whether by necessity or choice, the majority of parents work, and many depend on formal, organized, out-of-home care. The American Planning Association (APA) has long recognized in its Policy Guide on the Provision of Child Care (1997) that child care is a critical component of livable communities for many families.This story comes from a You’re Invited parent of four children ages 2-10 years old:

“It is important for families, particularly single parent families, who are struggling in this economy to have child care in the community that offers a quality environment. We need a safe and reliable place to leave our kids while trying to support our families.

Having You’re Invited, a day care program, close to where I live is a huge help for my children and me, especially when we did not have a car and we had to walk or take the bus everywhere. It is also incredibly helpful to have a program that provides transportation to and from the kids’ elementary school.

I remember a time when my nine year old had severely sprained her ankle and the doctor instructed her not to walk on it for 7-10 days. I had no other way to get her to the day care except pushing her in the stroller. Thankfully, my older son was able to push my other two small children in the second stroller while I pushed my daughter. This is just one example of why I am so thankful for a daycare close to home. I don’t know what I would do if I had to leave work to take them to and from school, or if it was too far to walk.

I know when I drop my kids off I don’t have to worry about them. I know they are in good hands. They have learned so much at the daycare. My two younger children are familiar with their colors, shapes and numbers, and are developing communication skills and motor skills. They have been a huge help in preparing my five year old for kindergarten.

I have four children that I’m trying to raise on my own. To make the time to sit down with them individually seems impossible. Having a child care program where the staff all have good hearts and strive to keep our kids safe and strive to make a difference in our children’s lives, helps me to give my children the best childhood possible. They are not only a place of business, but they go beyond that to make a difference in the community. Thank you, You’re Invited, for all that you do for me and my family.”

Jami West is the Director of You’re Invited – (a fully licensed daycare located on the Madison Street campus) and of commonGood’s children’s program.